Following Read like taking Ronaldo jersey Tom says
TOM Moores will be aiming to further his case as the heir to Chris Read – a man he likens to Cristiano Ronaldo – when Nottinghamshire Outlaws host Derbyshire Falcons this evening.
The 20-year-old wicketkeeper started both of the Outlaws’ first two T20 Blast outings – defeats at Yorkshire and Birmingham earlier this month – and is hoping to impress by attempting to help his side get themselves off the mark in their first competition outing of the summer at Trent Bridge.
Moores, the son of Notts head coach Peter, has been deputising for 38-year-old club legend Read – who is retiring at the end of the season – in the T20 and is keen to take the opportunity with both hands, even if he likens the challenge to attempting to take over from footballer Cristiano Ronaldo.
“For me, it’s a great chance to get some first-team cricket under my belt and T20 is the format that I think best suits me to do that at this moment in time,” said the youngster, who enjoyed a spell on loan at Lancashire last season.
“When I found out I was going to get a go, I was delighted, particularly as Ready is going to be there as a mentor. Knowing he is there to help and give advice gives you that extra confidence.
“Whoever takes over from Ready is going to have a massive challenge because he is a huge asset to the team.
“If you took Ronaldo out of the Real Madrid side, there would be a big difference, and this is the same.
“The lads have also been very supportive. They understand that somewhere along the line, someone else is going to have to step up.
“Ready has been a legend of the game but he can’t continue forever and they know that.
“I would love to be the one who takes on the gloves after him. I back myself and I’m quietly confident I can do a job for the team.”
Elsewhere, Birmingham Bears’ Oliver Hannon-Dalby cannot wait to take on his former compatriots Yorkshire Vikings when they travel to Headingley today.
The 28-year-old, who joined the Bears from Yorkshire in 2013, has claimed eight wickets in the Blast already this season, after a difficult campaign in the One-Day Cup, and says that he is relishing a return to his old stomping ground.
“Any game against the Yorkies is always a special one for me – whether it’s at Edgbaston or Headingley – and it would be great for the team to get a win up there,” said Hannon-Dalby.
“We had a few hard 50-over games with very short boundaries and I didn’t come out
on top. So, it’s really pleasing to come back in and get some good performances under my belt.
“I am really happy to be back in the team. T20 is a volatile event so you will take some punishment sometimes but it’s great to be back in the team and contributing.
“As a death bowler, if you do it for long enough, there are times when you’ll pick up wickets and times when you’ll go for runs. I had a tough time earlier in the season but it’s nice to be back.”
Meanwhile, Northamptonshire Steelbacks, who will once again be able to call on South Africa spinner Tabraiz Shamsi after he extended his stay at the County Ground by a further two matches, go in search of a fifth straight victory over Leicestershire Foxes when they teams meet at Grace Road.
Worcestershire Rapids host Lancashire Lightning at New Road, while Durham Jets are not in action again until Sunday, when they go to Lancashire.